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OUTWARD TELEGRAM

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THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES

CO 537/1402

restrictions Further information is given in the enclosed Terms and Conditions of supply of National Archives' leaflet Please note that this copy is supplied subject to the National Archives' terms and conditions and that your use of it may be subject to copyrigh

IMMEDIATE

No. 48

TO BRITISH COLONIES SUPPLY MISSION

(Washington)

FROM 8. OP 8.. COLONIES.

Sent 8th March, 1945. 21.15 hrs.

Following for Morris from Davies.

Telegram has now come in from Hong Kong in reply to our enquiry about cereals, general effect of which is as folloWB.

2.

At present rice rationed strictly to population approximately 1,100,000. Ration consists of 8 oz. rice 6 oz. flour. In addition there are issues of flour up to YWP level to restaurante, bakers and for manufacture of Government bread.

3. Present stocks flour 3,000, rice 4,000. Estimated stocks end March flour 3,500, rice 3,000. Population April-June likely to be about 1,230,000: there may be increase if shortages in adjacent territories are severe,

4. April-June minimum rice requirements 40,000 tons to give straight rice ration 12 oz. and leave 10 days stock at end period.

5. Hong Kong say that they cannot contemplate reduction of rice ration below 8 oz. They now suggest substitution of flour should be at rate of 1 flour for 1 rice. Maximum substitution supplies possible on this basis (allowing at end period 10 days stock) given as 25,000 tona rice, 18,000 tons flour inclusive YWP flour.

6.

Ins